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As we head into the Week 14 Sunday matchups, the AFC West teams are chasing the 8-4 Kansas City Chiefs. Who would have thought that would be the case with the way the Chiefs were playing earlier this season? The 7-5 Los Angeles Chargers are coming off an impressive win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13, and they welcome the New York Giants to So-Fi Stadium.
In this matchup, the Chargers already learned that they would be without wide receiver Keenan Allen. Is Mike Williams playing this week, or will the Chargers be without him as well? Should I start Mike Williams if he is cleared in time to play Sunday? Should fantasy managers trust Mike Williams this Sunday against the Giants?
Below, we take a quick look at the updated status for Williams and attempt to answer these questions and their fantasy implications.
Is Mike Williams Playing in Week 14 Against the Giants?
Mike Williams has been officially cleared to play in Week 14 and has now been activated from the COVID-19 list. He will be fully available in the Week 14 matchup against the Giants, although teammate Keenan Allen has been ruled out:
This is an update to the original reports on Williams' status below, based on additional news reported later in the week.
Mike Williams Week 14 Injury Updates
Earlier this week, Mike Williams was placed on the COVID-19 list along with teammate Keenan Allen. Since that time, Williams has had multiple negative COVID tests. All indications are that we will get to see Mike Williams take the field Sunday against the New York Giants in Week 14. Williams was in close contact with Keenan Allen, who has already been ruled out for this week and stayed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Williams, who isn't vaccinated, is trending to come off the reserve/COVID-19 list on Saturday if he consecutive negative tests. Assuming that remains the case on Saturday, he will return to the team and play on Sunday.
Should I Start Mike Williams in Week 14 Against the Giants?
With Keenan Allen ruled out for Sunday's game against the Giants, the Los Angeles Chargers will need other players to step up in his place. The former Clemson standout is currently projected as the WR20 in half-PPR leagues for Week 14, so can fantasy managers trust Mike Williams with their season on the line?
Mike Williams is Mr. Inconsistent. His career has been highlighted by extreme highs where he looks unstoppable. On the other hand, some lowlights force you to check the box score to see if he was even on the field. This season has been no different.
Williams hauled in 31 catches for 471 yards and six touchdowns through the first five games, scoring in four of those five games. After five weeks this season, the former first-round pick was the WR1 overall in fantasy football. However, in typical fashion, Williams disappeared for his fantasy managers. He has scored only one touchdown and has only one 100-yard receiving game since Week 5. That one game was in last week's 41-22 win over the Cincinnati Bengals when he finished with five catches for 110 yards.
How Will The Chargers Offense Change in Week 14?
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has three consecutive 300-yard games with multiple touchdowns in each contest. As a result, Herbert has vaulted himself into the QB2 in fantasy points scored. Even without Keenan Allen playing, Herbert still possesses plenty of weapons to take on the Giants defense, who ranked tenth in fantasy points allowed wide receivers.
Running back Austin Ekeler should see plenty of targets along with tight end Jared Cook. In addition, the young wideouts Jalen Guyton and Josh Palmer will try to take advantage of an ideal opportunity to produce more playing time in the absence of Allen. If you are in need of a Week 14 streamer at the wide receiver, you can consider Jalen Guyton as a waiver wire pickup for your roster.
But the biggest benefactor in the Chargers offense with Keenan Allen out will likely be Mike Williams, who should get an uptick in targets and secure a strong WR2 showing with WR1 upside. Be sure to check back for additional injury updates as we get closer to game time, and ensure that Williams has officially been cleared to play in Week 14.
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